Recent Newshttps://www.ecok.edu/news/mackey_art_may_2009.htm
enECU ALUMNUS J. MICHAEL PRINCE NAMED CEO OF U.S. POLO ASSOCIATION GLOBAL LICENSING INC.https://www.ecok.edu/article/ecu-alumnus-j-michael-prince-named-ceo-us-polo-association-global-licensing-inc
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/J.%20Michael%20Prince.jpg?itok=QA_AX1Xp" width="400" height="519" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">J. Michael Prince delivers the keynote address at East Central University’s 2017 Spring Commencement Ceremony last May. Prince, an ECU and Latta High School graduate, was recently named chief executive officer for United States Polo Association Global Licensing Inc., which is the official licensing arm and national broadcaster of the U.S. Polo Association.</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>J. Michael Prince, who graduated at the top of his class from East Central University in 1993 and a Latta High School graduate, was recently named chief executive officer for United States Polo Association Global Licensing Inc., which is the official licensing arm and national broadcaster of the U.S. Polo Association.</p>
<p>Prince had served as chief operating officer of USPA Global Licensing Inc. since May of 2017. The USPAGL manages the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, the USPA’s $1.5 billion global sport-inspired apparel brand.</p>
<p>He is a global retail executive who has worked in senior leadership positions with some of the most iconic sports &amp; fashion brands in the world including Nike, Cole Haan, Converse, Hurley, Umbro and Guess? </p>
<p>“I am honored and humbled by this amazing opportunity to work with a brand and sport that have unlimited potential,” said Prince. “The authenticity of the U.S. Polo Assn. sets it apart from all of its competitors as the only officially sanctioned brand for the sport of polo in the U.S.”</p>
<p>Prince is also a strategic advisor working across multiple industries partnering with Family Offices and Native American tribes on potential marketplace and investment opportunities.</p>
<p>He started his professional career in Oklahoma with his first job at PriceWaterhouse where he earned his CPA. He later worked for two of Oklahoma’s most prestigious companies, Devon Energy and BancFirst. He most recently served as the president and board member of Cole Haan, the global fashion brand. </p>
<p>As president of that company, he provided executive leadership over commercial, operational and financial aspects of the business including the Company’s 300 global retail stores, digital commerce and extensive international and licensing businesses as well as new product categories. </p>
<p>Prince has both public and private company executive and board experience and has worked closely with the Wall Street and private equity communities. Prince’s accomplishments as an executive have ranged from overseeing a $4 billion portfolio of brands for Nike to expanding Cole Haan’s billion-dollar global retail and digital footprint internationally. He has also worked with sports icons such as Dwyane Wade, of the Miami Heat, as well as global collaborations with American Airlines. </p>
<p>While at ECU, Prince was also vice president of the ECU Student Body. He earned his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and currently serves on the Board. He was raised in the local Ada area where he graduated from Latta High School and is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He is a donor to ECU’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business and has established scholarships at Duke University and the Choctaw Nation.</p>
<p>Prince is a 2017 ECU Distinguished Alumnus.</p>
<p>Finally, Prince has been a featured speaker at numerous collegiate events for Duke University, University of Oklahoma and ECU, discussing the topics of global brands, international business, and entrepreneurship. He is an advisory board member and investor of Toronto International Fashion Week (TIFW). Prince is also a member of New York Metro’s Young Presidents Organization and was honored in 2016 with the State of Creativity Award by Oklahoma’s governor. He and his wife Amanda reside in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has two sons, Coleman and Benjamin.</p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:54:18 +0000bjohnson15363 at https://www.ecok.eduKARL MARX: UNDER THE MICROSCOPE AT ECUhttps://www.ecok.edu/article/karl-marx-under-microscope-ecu
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/Young%20Marx%20Photo.jpg?itok=YLvV_snN" width="400" height="600" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Rory Kinnear (left) and Oliver Chris star in Young Marx, being presented by ECU SCREENS on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Raymond J. Estep Multimedia Center of the Bill S. Cole University. The film caps a two-day conference at ECU on the 170th anniversary of The Communist Manifesto. (Photo by Manuel Harlan)</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>On the 170<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the publication of <em>The Communist Manifesto</em>, Linscheid Library Academic Friends and ECU SCREENS are hosting “The Spectre of Marx: An Interdisciplinary Conference on Marxism, Its Origins, and Its Ghostly Presence in Our Contemporary World.”</p>
<p>At 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, the conference will begin with a series of presentations by six ECU faculty who will discuss Marx and his legacy from the perspective of the humanities, philosophy, history, legal studies, economics and Russian studies.</p>
<p>At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, the conference will conclude with a screening of the new comedy “Young Marx,” recorded live at the new Bridge Theatre in London.</p>
<p>All conference events will be held in the Raymond J. Estep Multimedia Center of the Bill S. Cole University Center. Faculty presentations will be free and open to the public. General admission tickets to “Young Marx” are $10. Admission is free for ECU students.</p>
<p>The first conference session, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, will feature Dr. Joshua Grasso and Dr. Jennifer McMahon, professors in the Department of English and Languages and Dr. Greg Sutton, assistant professor in the Department of History and Native Studies.</p>
<p>The second conference session, beginning at 11 a.m., will feature Dr. Preston Draper, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Legal Studies; Dr. Michael Scott, professor in the Department of Business Administration; and Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya, professor in the Department of English and Languages and Director of Russian Studies and ECU’s Global Studies Program.</p>
<p>Both sessions will include time for questions.</p>
<p>Before the screening on Wednesday, ECU students who have submitted essays and works of art relevant to the conference’s theme will be on hand to answer questions about their work.</p>
<p>In the interval between the first and second acts of “Young Marx,” awards for outstanding student submissions to the conference will be announced and free ice cream will be offered to all audience members.</p>
<p>Starring Rory Kinnear as Marx and Oliver Chris as his best friend, Friedrich Engels, “Young Marx” spins into action in 1850, when Europe’s most feared terrorist is hiding in Dean Street, Soho. Broke, restless and mischievous, the 32-year-old leftist revolutionary is a frothing combination of intellectual brilliance, invective, satiric wit, and child-like emotional illiteracy. Creditors, spies, rival revolutionary factions and prospective seducers of his beautiful wife all circle like vultures. With hiis writing blocked, his marriage dying, his friend Engels in despair at his wasted genius, his only hope is a job on the railway.</p>
<p>But there’s still no one in London who can show you a better night on the town than Karl Heinrich Marx.</p>
<p>Running time for “Young Marx” is 160 minutes, and it is rated “R” due to strong language.</p>
<p>“Young Marx” is presented by ECU SCREENS, whose mission is to bring memorable cinematic experiences to ECU, Ada, and the surrounding communities. ECU SCREENS is supported by the ECU Foundation, the Cultural Activities Committee, and the Department of English and Languages, and it relies on work provided by student volunteers from Sigma Tau Delta (ECU’s English Honors Society) and ECU’s Honors Student Association.</p>
<p>To learn more about ECU SCREENS and the spring schedule, like the ECU SCREENS Facebook page or visit ecuscreens.blogspot.com. Dr. Rebecca Nicholson-Weir, co-director of ECU SCREENS, may be contacted at (580) 559-5929 or <a href="mailto:rnichlsn@ecok.edu">rnichlsn@ecok.edu</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 16 Feb 2018 14:58:44 +0000bjohnson15362 at https://www.ecok.edu“WHEN ART HEALS” SETS STAGE FOR FOREIGN FILM FESTIVAL FINALE "NISE: THE HEART OF MADNESS" ON FRIDAY, FEB. 16, AT ECUhttps://www.ecok.edu/article/when-art-heals-sets-stage-foreign-film-festival-finale-nise-heart-madness-friday-feb-16-ecu
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/Nise%20photo.jpg?itok=yVHwj7hr" width="400" height="200" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Cast members of &quot;Nise.&quot;</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>East Central University’s Eighth Annual Foreign Film Festival concludes on Friday, Feb. 16, with a screening of <em>Nise</em>: <em>The Heart of Madness</em>, which will be preceded by “When Art Heals”: an expert panel discussion with a question and answer session about the power of art to heal and to educate.</p>
<p>“When Art Heals” will begin at 3 p.m. and the film screening will begin at 4 p.m. Both events will be held in the Raymond J. Estep Multimedia Center of the Bill S. Cole University Center. Admission is free and open to the public.</p>
<p>A Portuguese-language film based on a true story, <em>Nise</em> dramatizes the experiences of a Brazilian psychiatrist in the 1950s who rejects electroshock therapy to treat schizophrenia and encourages her patients to create art. Described as “mesmerizing” by the <em>New York Times</em>, <em>Nise</em> won the Audience award for best fiction feature at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival. <em>Nise</em> contains some scenes of sexuality/nudity. It has not received a rating from the Motion Picture Association of America but is for mature audiences.</p>
<p>The “When Art Heals” discussion panel will feature: Dr. Marc Klippenstine, chair of ECU’s Department of Psychology; Dr. Regina Robertson, chair of ECU’s Department of Human Resources and Counseling; Sharon Cunningham, director of ECU’s Special Education program; and Sherri Chandler, an ECU alumnus and licensed professional counselor who will discuss her experiences using art therapy in her counseling practice.</p>
<p>After the screening, lucky audience members will be given door prizes generously donated by local businesses including Cinemark Ada, Delicias Mexican Restaurant, Hampton Inn Ada, Hot Shots Coffee House, Mojo’s Coffee Bar and Cafe, and Scraptopia. Additional door prizes include books on art therapy, a book on women who impacted science, a DVD collection of films about painters whose art helped them cope with physical and mental health challenges, and a gift certificate for lunch for two at Texas de Brazil <em>Churrasaceria</em>-Steakhouse in Oklahoma City.</p>
<p>ECU’s Foreign Film Festival is managed by ECU SCREENS, whose mission is to “bring memorable cinematic experiences to ECU, Ada, and the surrounding communities.” The Foreign Film Festival, in particular, aspires to awaken and encourage curiosity about global cultures and languages.</p>
<p>ECU SCREENS is supported by the ECU Foundation, the Cultural Activities Committee, and the Department of English and Languages, and it relies on work provided by student volunteers from Sigma Tau Delta (ECU’s English Honors Society) and ECU’s Honors Student Association.</p>
<p>To learn more about ECU SCREENS and the spring schedule, like the ECU SCREENS Facebook page or visit <a href="http://www.ecuscreens.blogspot.com">www.ecuscreens.blogspot.com</a>. Dr. Rebecca Nicholson-Weir, co-director of ECU SCREENS, may be contacted at (580) 559-5929 or <a href="mailto:rnichlsn@ecok.edu">rnichlsn@ecok.edu</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Mon, 12 Feb 2018 15:01:08 +0000bjohnson15353 at https://www.ecok.eduECU THEATRE DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT “HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING,” FEB. 15-17https://www.ecok.edu/article/ecu-theatre-department-present-how-succeed-business-without-really-trying-feb-15-17
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/How%20to%20Business%20Final%208.5x11.jpg?itok=iwVm2yeF" width="400" height="518" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><em>How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,</em> a Pulitzer Prize winning musical, will be presented by the East Central University Theatre Department, Feb. 15-17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.</p>
<p>Based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book, the musical opened in October 1961 and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, a New York Drama Critics Award and the 1962 Pulitzer Prize. It starred Robert Morse and Rudy Vallee, who reprised their roles in the 1967 film.</p>
<p>Recent revivals included Matthew Broderick in 1995 and Daniel “Harry Potter” Radcliffe in 2011, winning Tony Awards for Best Revival, Best Director/Choreographer and Featured Actor in a Musical by John Larroquette.</p>
<p>The ECU production is being directed by Dr. Richard Groetzinger with musical direction by Vickie Reifsnider and choreography from ECU student Ashley Houchin. Set design comes from Jamie Davis. Rudy Lupinski provides musical direction as well as rehearsal accompaniment and Allen Correll conducts the orchestra. ECU President Emeritus John Hargrave will provide the voice of The Book.</p>
<p><em>How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying</em> tells the story of the meteoric rise of J. Pierrepont Finch from window washer to chairman of the board of World Wide Wickets. Along the way, he defeats the evil machinations of Bud Frump, the boss’ nephew, avoids the perils of the boss’ mistress Hedy LaRue and finds love with secretary Rosemary Pilkington.</p>
<p>The musical is best known for the songs “Brotherhood of Man” and “I Believe in You,” Other featured songs include: “Coffee Break,” “Love from a Heart of Gold,” “A Secretary is Not a Toy,” “Paris Original” and “Cinderella Darling.”</p>
<p>Keegan Buckaloo, of Sallisaw, will play the part of J. Pierrepont Finch. Philip Newcomer, of Ada, appears as Bud Frump; Trey Shofner, of Ada, plays J.B. Biggley; Teresa White, of Ada, plays Rosemary; Cassidy Malm, of Noble, appears as Smitty; Nicole Erwin, of Ada, plays Miss Jones; Leah Whiten, of Davis, appears as Hedy LaRue; Malik Sharp, of Ada, appears as Twimble, Toynbee and the TV Announcer; Jamie Davis is Wally Womper; Juan Oseguera, of Ada, plays Mr. Bratt; Andrew O’Neal, of Ardmore, plays Mr. Gatch and the Bible Man; Tyler Whitney, of Oklahoma City, appears as Jenkins; Eddie Power is Peterson and Jace Westmoland, of Ada, appears as Tackaberry.</p>
<p>Also, Amanda Daniel, of Ada, plays Johnson; Zach Fowler appears as Matthews and Ovington; Phoebe Perkins, of Shawnee, plays Davis; Zach Smith appears as the Mailroom Clerk and Pete; Shelby Stinson, of Poteau, plays Miss Krumholtz; Aimee Jones, of McAlester, appears as First Scrubwoman and Secretary and Tabitha Carr, of Winnsboro, Texas, plays the Second Scrubwoman and Secretary.</p>
<p>Other Secretaries include: Taylor Packwood, of Shawnee; Allie Bush; Isabella Roan, of Garland, Texas; Summer Pearce, of Glenpool; Ashton Mayle, of Eufaula; and Houchin.</p>
<p>The Jolly Wickets and Wickettes include: Houchin, Packwood, Carr, Sharp and Whitney.</p>
<p>Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and non-ECU students, $7 for grades 7-12 and $5 for children 12 and under. ECU alumni receive a $1 discount. Admission is free for ECU students, faculty and staff with identification.</p>
<p>For tickets, contact the Box Office through email at <a href="mailto:boxoffice@ecok.edu">boxoffice@ecok.edu</a> or by calling</p>
<p>580-559-5751. Tickets may be ordered online as well at ecok.edu/FineArts.</p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:40:41 +0000bjohnson15351 at https://www.ecok.eduECU CHORALE RANKS 25th IN MIXED CHORUS DIVISION WORLDWIDEhttps://www.ecok.edu/article/ecu-chorale-ranks-25th-mixed-chorus-division-worldwide
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/Chorale%20at%20Thunder%20Game%2C%202018.jpg?itok=Iy1r81xQ" width="400" height="175" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">The East Central University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Steven Walker, rehearse the National Anthem a couple of hours prior to the Oklahoma City Thunder-New Orleans Pelicans NBA game on Feb. 2 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The East Central University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Steven Walker, was recently ranked in a tie for 25<sup>th</sup> place in the Mixed Chorus Division by Interkultur, the largest organizer of amateur choir contests in the world.</p>
<p>Annually, Interkultur ranks the top 1,000 choirs in the world that compete in various categories. The ECU Chorale tied with a choir from Latvia. Only four other choirs from the United States were ranked higher than ECU.</p>
<p>“Needless to say, I am very proud of our students and our program,” said Walker. “There have been 9,117 choirs (394,248 participants) from 103 nations that have participated in the Interkultur competitions.”</p>
<p>The ECU Chorale performed a program of all contemporary choral literature.</p>
<p>“We were told that our attention to detail and use of contrast was why we won the Golden State Trophy,” Walker said.</p>
<p>The ECU Chorale performed the national anthem prior to the Oklahoma City Thunder-New Orleans Pelicans NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City on Feb. 2.</p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 06 Feb 2018 20:31:54 +0000bjohnson15340 at https://www.ecok.eduLOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORT ECU’S EIGHTH ANNUAL FOREIGN FILM FESTIVALhttps://www.ecok.edu/article/local-businesses-support-ecu-s-eighth-annual-foreign-film-festival
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/Neruda%202.jpg?itok=SpKn0Jwj" width="400" height="267" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Gael Garcia Bernal stars in Neruda.</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>East Central University’s Eighth Annual Foreign Film Festival begins Friday with door prizes and the first of three films for the first three Fridays in the month of February.</p>
<p>Several local businesses are kicking in door prizes to support the festival at 4 p.m. on Fridays in February in the Raymond J. Estep Multimedia Center of the Bill S. Cole University Center. Admission is free and open to the public.</p>
<p>After each screening, audience members are given door prizes in the form of books, DVDs, food and works of art associated with the culture of the films featured in the festival. Additional door prizes have also been generously donated this year by Cinemark Ada, Delicias Mexican Restaurant, Hampton Inn Ada, Hot Shots Coffee House, Mojo’s Coffee Bar and Cafe, and Scraptopia.</p>
<p>ECU’s Foreign Film Festival is managed by ECU SCREENS, whose mission is to “bring memorable cinematic experiences to ECU, Ada, and the surrounding communities.” The Foreign Film Festival, in particular, aspires to awaken and encourage curiosity about global cultures and languages.</p>
<p>This year’s festival begins on Friday, Feb. 2 with <em>Neruda</em>, a Spanish-language film from Chile about a determined police inspector (Gael García Bernal) who is hunting Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (Luis Gnecco) after he goes into hiding in 1948. The film will be introduced by the director of ECU’s Spanish Language program, Dr. Errol King, who will be taking a group of ECU students to Mexico in March. This film is rated “R” for sexuality/nudity and is for mature audiences.</p>
<p>The Festival continues on Friday, Feb. 9 with <em>The Black Monk</em>, a recorded-live Russian-language stage production based on a short story by Anton Chekov about a philosophy student whose hallucinations fill him with joy and energy . . . until they lead to his ruin. The film will be introduced by Dr. Joshua Grasso, professor in ECU’s Department of English and Languages. This screening is made possible in part by ECU’s Russian Club and its sponsor, Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya. This film has not been rated.</p>
<p>The Festival concludes on Friday, Feb. 16 with <em>Nise</em>: <em>The Heart of Madness</em>, a Portuguese-language film based on the true story of a Brazilian psychiatrist in the 1950s who rejects electroshock therapy to treat schizophrenia and encourages her patients to create art. Before the screening, ECU SCREENS will host a panel discussion and question and answer session in the Estep that will feature: Dr. Marc Klippenstine, chair of ECU’s Department of Psychology; Dr. Regina Robertson, chair of ECU’s Department of Human Resources and Counseling; Sharon Cunningham, director of ECU’s Special Education program; and Sherri Chandler, an ECU alumnus who is now the Joint Commission Manager</p>
<p>for the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. <em>Nise</em> contains some scenes of sexuality/nudity, but it has not received a rating from the Motion Picture Association of America.</p>
<p>ECU’s Foreign Film Festival is supported by the ECU Foundation, the Cultural Activities Committee and the Department of English and Languages. It relies on work provided by student volunteers from Sigma Tau Delta (ECU’s English Honors Society) and ECU’s Honors Student Association.</p>
<p>To learn more about ECU SCREENS and the spring schedule, like the ECU SCREENS Facebook page or visit <a href="http://www.ecuscreens.blogspot.com">www.ecuscreens.blogspot.com</a>. Dr. Rebecca Nicholson-Weir, co-director of ECU SCREENS, may be contacted at (580) 559-5929 or <a href="mailto:rnichlsn@ecok.edu">rnichlsn@ecok.edu</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 31 Jan 2018 16:11:13 +0000bjohnson15290 at https://www.ecok.eduECU STUDENT COREY BURTON EARNS TOP EXCEL SCORE IN STATE; HEADED TO NATIONALS IN JUNEhttps://www.ecok.edu/article/ecu-student-corey-burton-earns-top-excel-score-state-headed-nationals-june
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/Corey%20Burton%201.jpg?itok=7kz37GEM" width="400" height="600" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-image-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Corey Burton</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>East Central University student Corey Burton will be involved in an examination this summer on his birthday and is extremely excited about it.</p>
<p>Burton received an exceptionally high score on his Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel 2016 Exam and has been declared Oklahoma’s champion.</p>
<p>He is now eligible to compete in Certiport’s 2018 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, June 13-15. His birthday is on June 14.</p>
<p>“I’m pretty excited. I guess I’ll spend my 22<sup>nd</sup> birthday taking an Excel exam,” said Burton, who is from Beggs, Oklahoma and is a double major in business administration management (with banking and finance certification) and instrumental music performance.</p>
<p>Burton was offered the opportunity to take the certification exam as part of his advanced computer business applications class with Dr. Stacey Bolin, assistant professor in ECU’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business. Students are allowed to replace their midterm exam with this certification exam, according to Bolin, who is certified to administer the exams for ECU students.</p>
<p>“The newly-offered certification exams stem from ever-increasing pressure from employers to graduate students with strong Excel skills,” said Bolin. “The external certification exam provides students with documentation to illustrate their skillset. Corey exhibits determination, preparedness and professionalism with regard to his education. These traits have helped him do extremely well in the Stonecipher School of Business and will serve both he and his future employer well upon graduation.”</p>
<p>His educational experience at ECU played a vital role, according to Burton.</p>
<p>“I really did not take it seriously until I came to school here,” Burton said. “I took a computer business applications class with Dr. Tom Lanis and that was my first actual training with Excel. Everything I have learned has come from the Stonecipher School of Business.”</p>
<p>Burton is a trombone player with various ECU bands – marching, jazz and concert. Since coming to ECU as freshman, he says he has taken to the Excel program.</p>
<p>Since coming to ECU, Burton considers it a great fit.</p>
<p>“The number one thing is the class sizes. I like that I’m really able to interact with my professors. You really get to know your professors,” said Burton. “East Central is a great school. It fit like a glove when I got here right from the start.”</p>
<p>For more information on the Excel certification, contact Bolin at 580-559-5596.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 26 Jan 2018 19:20:39 +0000bjohnson15235 at https://www.ecok.eduCRIMES OF THE HEART TO BE PERFORMED AT ECU THIS WEEKhttps://www.ecok.edu/article/crimes-heart-be-performed-ecu-week
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/Crimes%20of%20the%20Heart%20Scene.jpg?itok=tHvwmuRS" width="400" height="463" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Shelby Davis, playing the role of Meg Magrath, and Annabelle Elliot, playing her younger sister Babe Magrath Botrelle, share a laugh during a scene from <em>Crimes of the Heart</em>, an East Central University production set for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Chalmers Herman Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts. Davis and Elliot are Ada residents. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and non-ECU students, $7 for grades 7-12 and $5 for children 12 and under. ECU alumni receive a $1 discount. Admission is free for ECU students, faculty and staff. For tickets, contact the Box Office through email at <a href="mailto:boxoffice@ecok.edu">boxoffice@ecok.edu</a> or by calling 580-559-5751. Tickets may be ordered online as well as ecok.edu/FineArts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 24 Jan 2018 20:11:53 +0000bjohnson15232 at https://www.ecok.eduPONTOTOC COUNTY DRUG FREE COALITION TO HOST WINTER GALA AT ECUhttps://www.ecok.edu/article/pontotoc-county-drug-free-coalition-host-winter-gala-ecu
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Mark your calendars for the second annual Red Ribbon Gala hosted by the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition (PCDFC).</p>
<p>This year’s Winter Wonderland Gala event will take place on Friday, Feb. 9 at East Central University University’s Stanley Wagner Ballroom beginning at 6 p.m. The event will include a delicious meal, a silent auction, a speaker, entertainment, community awards and more. Event registration is now open at <a href="http://www.pcdfc.org">www.pcdfc.org</a>.</p>
<p>Substance abuse issues continue to be a concern for our local youth and adults alike. According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health &amp; Substance Abuse Services, 275,000 Oklahoma citizens (above age 12) are dependent on alcohol or other drugs.</p>
<p>Approximately 10 percent of youth in Oklahoma are struggling with substance abuse issues. Pontotoc County youth also report easy access to marijuana, prescription drugs and other illicit substances.</p>
<p>However, strides are being made in Pontotoc County in this fight against substance abuse. PCDFC was created as a substance abuse coalition in 2009 to address critical local concerns. Since that time PCDFC has grown to a coalition of over 100 members.</p>
<p>From 2014 to 2015, PCDFC worked with local law enforcement, prevention partners and local alcohol establishments to decrease the non-compliance rate of alcohol sales to underage youth by 17 percent. However, the non-compliance rate recently skyrocketed to 50-60 percent. PCDFC is calling for all alcohol establishment to improve their beverage service and compliance by participating in ongoing Responsible Beverage Service &amp; Sales Training.</p>
<p>PCDFC also encourages Pontotoc County to utilize its prescription drug take back boxes to reduce local prescription drug issues. An average of 1,500 pounds of unused medications are recycled per year with this program. This helps prevent youth access to forgotten, unused or expired medications within the home.</p>
<p>But PCDFC needs your help to continue addressing substance abuse issues in our community.</p>
<p>“We are asking community members to continue supporting us by attending the Gala. This year’s event is shaping up to be a fun and informative evening” says Vicki Orsburn, executive member of PCDFC. The evening will start with a reception time at 6 p.m., with the program and dinner to begin at 6:30 p.m. The event will conclude at 9 p.m.</p>
<p>“I am always overwhelmed by the generous support from our community each year. We could not do this work without everyone’s involvement” states Holli Witherington, drug free communities grant director.</p>
<p>Local businesses are being encouraged to support this event by sponsoring a table at the Gala. Past event sponsors of the event include the Chickasaw Nation, Citizens Bank of Ada, Vision Bank, Mercy Hospital Ada, FATE, Inc., ECU, SCORE Broadcasting, Ada News, and Pontotoc County Drug Court. If you would like to join this list of charitable local sponsors or would like to purchase individual tickets, you can visit the Gatsby Gala link on PCDFC’s website at <a href="http://www.pcdfc.org">www.pcdfc.org</a> or call PCDFC staff at (580) 559-5815.</p>
<p>You can also donate goods, gift certificates, or other items to the silent auction by contacting PCDFC staff at (580) 559-5720. Event proceeds will support coalition strategies, such as capacity building events within Pontotoc County, evidence-based environmental strategies, prevention programming for local schools, annual youth conferences, youth coalition initiatives &amp; scholarship opportunities, training scholarships, outreach &amp; media campaigns, and more.</p>
<p>If you would like to join us at a monthly meeting, PCDFC meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Pontotoc County Health Department Meeting Room at 11:30 a.m. A free lunch is served and meetings are open to the entire community.</p>
<p>The Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition (PCDFC) is united to reduce substance abuse. Through the use of proactive strategies, they empower our diverse community to sustain a healthy environment through education, awareness and policy advocacy.</p>
<p>For more information or media inquiries, contact the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition via email at <a href="mailto:media@pcdfc.org">media@pcdfc.org</a> or by phone at 580-559-5990. Visit <a href="http://www.pcdfc.org">www.pcdfc.org</a> for more information.</p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 24 Jan 2018 19:27:31 +0000bjohnson15231 at https://www.ecok.eduCRIMES OF THE HEART TO BE PERFORMED BY THE ECU THEATRE DEPARTMENT ON JAN. 25-27https://www.ecok.edu/article/crimes-heart-be-performed-ecu-theatre-department-jan-25-27
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-landscape/public/default_images/logo_1.png?itok=Sg_U3IZG" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-portrait-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/styles/article-portrait/public/Crimes%20of%20the%20Heart%20for%20tix.jpg?itok=98EPccT4" width="400" height="400" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><em>Crimes of the Heart</em>, which won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play, will be performed by the East Central University Theatre Department, Jan. 25-27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Chalmers Herman Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.</p>
<p>The production is being directed by ECU student Margie Beck, of Ada, as a senior project. Beck is a native of Redlands, California and has lived in Ada for nine years. She has lived in Oklahoma since 1992</p>
<p>“It was the first play I ever read when I was 14 years old and it began my love for theatre,” Beck said. “I fell in love with the characters, watching the film that was made from the play in 1986.”</p>
<p><em>Crimes of the Heart</em>, by American playwright Beth Henley, is set in the small town of Hazlehurt, Mississippi, where sisters Lenny, Meg and Babe Magrath have gathered at old Granddaddy’s home during the aftermath of Babe shooting her abusive husband.</p>
<p>Their nosey and judgmental cousin Chick and young lawyer Barnette Lloyd assist in Babe’s impending future as Meg’s first love and the town’s neighborly good Samaritan Doc Porter add to the drama. Laughs and tears surround the tragedy and past secrets are surfaced as this small group deals with their individual crimes of the heart.</p>
<p>Annabelle Elliot, of Ada, stars as Babe. Shelby Davis, also of Ada, plays Meg and Beck will appear as Lenny. Leah Whiten, of Davis, will play the role of Chick; Logan Bennett, of Madill, plays Doc and Sam McKenzie, of Lindsay, appears as Barnette.</p>
<p>DeeDee Pennington and Mar Miller will serve as stage managers. Keyshawn Brown is sound and music director and Ashleigh Harrell will be lighting manager</p>
<p>Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and non-ECU students, $7 for grades 7-12 and $5 for children 12 and under. ECU alumni receive a $1 discount. Admission is free for ECU students, faculty and staff.</p>
<p>For tickets, contact the Box Office through email at <a href="mailto:boxoffice@ecok.edu">boxoffice@ecok.edu</a> or by calling 580-559-5751. Tickets may be ordered online as well as ecok.edu/FineArts.</p>
<p>Beck holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and is completing another bachelor’s degree in communication/theatre focus before she starts graduate studies in secondary education/theatre in the fall of 2018.</p>
<p align="center"><strong>-ECU-</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-immediate-release field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">For Immediate Release:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="margin-left:1.0in;">Contact: Brian Johnson or Amy Ford</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> East Central University Communications and Marketing</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> 580-559-5650 or 405-812-1428 (cell)</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 19 Jan 2018 15:46:01 +0000bjohnson15226 at https://www.ecok.edu